See
http://www.newaudiences.org.uk./news_story.asp?id=1
New research into folk festivals
The report – commissioned by the Association of Festival Organisers (AFO)presents the first national research undertaken in this area, showing that folk festivals attract large audiences and have a significantimpact on local economies.Around nine out of ten attenders are tourists, spending more than £76 million a year on tickets, travel, accommodation in B&B’s and hotels, as well as other spending, both during and after events.
Folk audiences are also loyal – 76 per cent come back again – and diverse: People see festivals as accessible, family-friendly events. Nearly one third of groups attending a festival include at least one child and most attenders felt that festivals represented good value for money, an important consideration for most families.
The report also dispels a common prejudice that festivals, `will be dominated by middle-aged men’. More than 45 per cent of attenders were under-35s and more than half were women.
Festivals are big, growing, and very accessible, as AFO General Secretary, Steve Heap, from the AFO pointed out: `Folk is no longer, if it ever was a minority event. This report celebrates its position as an historic part of our national heritage, a hobby, a passion, an industry and clearly a source of entertainment for thousands of people’.
The research is already having an impact. Bridgnorth’s local authority grant increased from £2,000 to £10,000 when the report’s findings were published. The report will help to bring about new relationships with key organisations in the cultural tourism industry, folk and festival sectors.
The report will be discussed at the industry launch on 13 May at the Royal Festival Hall.
For more information contact:
The Association of Festival Organisers,
Down load the entire report (PDF)
PO Box 296, Matlock,
Derbyshire, DE4 3XU.
Phone: +44 (0) 1629 760345
Email info@afouk.org
web www.afouk.org
Article copy-pasted from the link cited above.
-Joe Offer-